社会研究中的因果分析

Causal Analysis in Social Research

因果分析是科学研究的基础,也是科学知识积累和学科建设的核心。然而,当前社会研究方法中存在着一系列问题。在某种程度上,这些问题可以被归结为对于因果分析的忽视或理解不清。本文试图提供一个清晰的因果关系的概念,提醒因果分析对于社会研究而言的重要性和相关性,并结合当前社会研究中的某些不足,给出应用因果分析的一些基本原则和技术。文章强调定性和定量研究方法在使用因果分析以达成具有普遍性和解释力的结论上是一致而没有区隔的。

Causal analysis is the foundation of scientific research. It is also the key for accumulation of knowledge and discipline building. However, we now face a series of problems in social research. To a certain extent, part of the reasons lies in neglect of causal analysis or weak understanding of it. The purpose of this paper is to provide a clear account of the concept of causality, to remind researchers of the importance of causal analysis, and in combination with research examples, to give some basic rules and strategies in causal analysis. In reaching general conclusions with explanatory powers, both qualitative and quantitative research methods are consistent with each other in applying causal analysis.